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The discovery of "Christ Mocked" by the Italian Renaissance master Cimabue is one of the most extraordinary art finds in recent history.
In 2019, a French woman in Compiègne, a small town in northern France, bought what she believed to be a simple religious icon for about €30 at a local flea market. She hung it in her kitchen, unaware of its true significance. The painting, measuring just 25 cm by 20 cm (about 10 inches by 8 inches), had been sitting above her stovetop for years, slightly soiled but intact.
It wasn't until a local auctioneer suggested the woman...

In this exploration, we focus on the highest auction prices achieved by artworks from each century, uncovering which artists—from the 14th century to the present—have reached the pinnacle of market value for their masterpieces.
Art reflects the evolution of society, with each century showcasing influential creators whose works resonate with collectors. We aim to identify the most valuable pieces that have emerged throughout history, illustrating the dynamic relationship between art and its worth in the auction market.
14th Century: Wang Meng – Moving to Zhichuan (1350/70) sold for $62.1 million in June 2011.
Wang Meng’s "Moving to Zhichuan" is a...

Vincent van Gogh, a name synonymous with passionate colors and expressive brushstrokes, lived a life marked by extreme poverty. While creating his iconic paintings, he struggled to make ends meet. His art, barely recognized in his time, brought him little financial reward.
Van Gogh was an artist far ahead of his time. His works, now celebrated as masterpieces, were dismissed as eccentric and unsalable during his lifetime. He painted out of passion, but this passion brought him little bread. To survive, he relied on the financial support of his brother Theo.
In Van Gogh's time, one could have purchased a...

Alongside Mauritz Frederik Hendrik de Haas, his name has been spelled in various ways. Mauritz de Haas was the youngest of five children born to Jan and Marie Petronella de Haas. His siblings included Jan, a ship engineer in the Dutch Navy, Jacques, a violinist and composer, William F., a landscape painter, as well as Marie Petronella and Mauritz. Showing an early interest in seafaring, he received painting lessons from Louis Meijer, a renowned marine painter, after his father's early demise.
De Haas pursued his artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam and later at the Academy...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will explore the intriguing and multifaceted world of Vala Moro, a contemporary artist whose work captivates and challenges audiences. Through her innovative use of materials and immersive installations, Moro delves into themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage.

In this episode, we will discuss her artistic journey, the influences that shape her work, and the emotional resonance of her art. Join us as we uncover the unique perspectives and creative expressions that define Vala Moro's contributions to contemporary art, inviting listeners to engage with the complexities and narratives woven into her...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will explore the life and work of Tamara de Lempicka, a celebrated Polish painter and a leading figure of the Art Deco movement. Born in 1898 in Warsaw, de Lempicka's distinctive style and glamorous subjects made her one of the most recognized artists of the early 20th century.

In this episode, we’ll delve into de Lempicka’s life, tracing her journey from her privileged upbringing to her studies in Paris, where she became immersed in the vibrant art scene of the 1920s. Her work is characterized by bold colors, geometric shapes, and...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will explore the innovative work of Simon Gate, a pioneering Swedish glass designer and artist. Born in 1883 in Stockholm, Gate is best known for his exquisite glassware and his significant contributions to the Swedish design movement during the early to mid-20th century.

In this episode, we’ll delve into Gate’s life, from his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts to his influential role at the Orrefors Glassworks, where he developed a unique style that combined traditional glassmaking techniques with modern aesthetics. His work often features intricate carvings and distinctive...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will delve into the enchanting world of Rex Whistler, a British artist renowned for his whimsical and imaginative style. Born in 1905 in Eltham, London, Whistler was not only a painter but also an accomplished illustrator and muralist, known for his ability to blend fantasy with reality in a way that captivates the viewer's imagination.

In this episode, we’ll explore Whistler’s life, from his early education at the Royal Academy Schools to his time in Paris, where he was influenced by the vibrant art scene and the spirit of the 1920s....

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will explore the life and work of Otto Arpke, a notable figure in the German Expressionist movement. Born in 1887 in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), Arpke became known for his unique artistic style that combined emotional depth with bold forms and colors, making him a significant contributor to the modern art scene.

In this episode, we’ll delve into Arpke’s life, from his early education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf to his involvement in the vibrant art circles of Berlin during the early 20th century. Arpke's work was characterized...

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will delve into the life and work of Hugo Scheiber, a prominent Hungarian painter known for his vibrant use of color and significant contributions to the modern art movement. Born in 1873 in Budapest, Scheiber's artistic journey took him through various influences, culminating in a unique style that blended elements of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

In this episode, we’ll explore Scheiber’s life, from his early artistic training to his travels across Europe, where he absorbed the cultural and artistic movements of his time. Scheiber was a member of the Nagybánya artists' colony,...